Embark on a captivating eleven-day journey through the heart of northern India, where history, artistry, and vibrant culture intertwine. From the fresco-covered havelis of Mandawa to the golden citadel of Jaisalmer, every step reveals a new facet of Rajasthan’s grandeur. Wander through the majestic forts of Bikaner and Jodhpur, explore the royal palaces and bustling bazaars of Jaipur, and stand in awe before the eternal beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Along the way, discover medieval towns, ancient temples, desert landscapes, and the colourful spirit of India reflected in its music, markets, and people. An unforgettable adventure through the timeless wonders of India awaits.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Delhi: Delhi is a combination of the cities that were founded between 900 BC and 1930 AD. An elegant capital city brimming with history.
Bikaner: Famous for the stunning Junagarh Fort.
Jodhpur: Known for its majestic and impregnable Mehrangarh Fort.
Jaipur: The capital city of Rajasthan is famous for its pink sandstone buildings. It was founded by King Sawai Jai Singh II, a great astronomer, and was built according to the Vastu Shastra.
Fatehpur Sikri: Admire the ghostly sandstone buildings of this abandoned city.
Agra: The ancient capital of the Mughal dynasty, one of the most visited cities in India and an important part of the "Golden Triangle" tour of northern India.
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI
Welcome to Delhi, the vibrant capital of India. On arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Delhi is a city where centuries of history blend with rapid modern growth, land said to have witnessed seven different cities rise and fall, where the old and the new coexist in a captivating panorama.
Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2: DELHI – MANDAWA (270km – 6hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel depart to Shekhawati. Shekhawati is the region of Rajasthan nicknamed "the open-air art gallery of Rajasthan". It is in these villages surrounded by sand dunes that we find the havelis, houses of rich merchants who once lived from the camel trade between India and Pakistan, small palaces with walls decorated with painted frescoes, real illuminated works.
Next, we drive to Mandawa. The village is dominated by a gigantic medieval house, still inhabited by the Raja family. Numerous Havelis decorated with colorful frescoes prove the ancient wealth of this small village. These are residences housing one or more related families. They are usually decorated with paintings on the outside and inside. Sometimes they are real frescoes representing the Ramayana or illustrating the life of Krishna. Discover the havelis and temples of Mandawa before arriving at your hotel for check in.
Overnight in Mandawa.
Day 3: MANDAWA – BIKANER (190km – 4.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive towards Bikaner and upon arrival check in to your hotel. Later, visit Bikaner – visit the Junagarh Fort, a fortress built in the sixteenth century that contains various palaces and temples. It is a maze of corridors, staircases and inner courtyards. You can visit: the coronation hall, the Palace of Mirrors, the Maharajah's room, the weapons museum also containing elephant baskets, the "conference hall" with a silver throne, as well as the first nail boards of the fakirs. Next, ride in a TUK-TUK in the picturesque Bazaar, then walk the "Heritage walk" in the old town to explore its small streets and take the opportunity to visit some old havelis.
Overnight in Bikaner.
Day 4: BIKANER – JAISALMER (330km – 5.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel depart to Jaisalmer. Look closely at the side of the road, you may spot antelopes looking for vegetation. Along the way, stop in the villages to meet the local people. There is also an opportunity to visit a local school. Next, visit Viyas Chattri, the hill of cenotaphs to discover the decorative chhatri of the Maharawal (rulers) of Jaisalmer. Under the dome of each chhatri is a small stele representing one or more "sati". A sati is a sovereign who has set herself on fire so as not to outlive her royal husband.
Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 5: JAISALMER
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover Jaisalmer, the “Golden City,” located just a hundred kilometers from the Pakistani border. Rising from the sands of the Thar Desert, the remote citadel of Jaisalmer is an impressive sight, with its towering ramparts and golden-hued walls. The city still reflects its former grandeur through the splendid havelis – opulent merchants’ mansions adorned with intricately carved ochre and pink sandstone façades.
Visit the Maharawal Palace, with its richly decorated rooms featuring mosaics and paintings, and explore the magnificent havelis, once the lavish homes of prosperous merchants in the 18th century, known for their elaborate balconies and delicate stonework. Discover the beautiful Jain Temples and enjoy a walking tour through the vibrant bazaar.
In the late afternoon, set off on a memorable camel ride through the desert. As the sun sets over the rolling dunes, enjoy a cocktail while taking in this unforgettable spectacle of light and color.
Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Day 6: JAISALMER – JODHPUR (290km – 5.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel depart to Jodhpur. In the afternoon, visit Jodhpur, "the blue city". Visit Fort Mehrangarh and Jaswant Thada. Visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, a real eagle's nest built on top of a hill overlooking the city. It can be accessed through seven monumental gates, some of which still keep the traces of the cannonballs fired by the enemy. Inside there are many inner courtyards, surrounded by palaces with sculpted facades. The Fort Museum contains palanquins, baskets used to move around in elephants, weapons, sabres, swords, daggers, small cannons. Many rooms contain collections of miniatures, the Takhat Mahal Hall is entirely decorated with mirrors and paintings, with colored glass balls hanging from the ceiling and the "Jankhi Mahal" contains an amazing collection of royal cradles.
Visit Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal white marble cenotaphs, built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
In the evening, walk in the old town and in the market 'Sardar Bazar'.
Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 7: JODHPUR – JAIPUR (360km – 5.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Jaipur, the “Pink City,” and upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Enjoy some free time to explore the bustling local markets or pursue independent activities.
In the afternoon, experience a unique slice of Indian culture with a Bollywood cinema session (about 30 minutes) at the legendary Raj Mandir Theatre. This iconic, opulently decorated cinema, with its 1,125 seats, is one of the largest in Asia and widely regarded as one of the most beautiful movie theaters in the world. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you watch a Bollywood film, where spectacular singing, dancing, and dramatic storytelling allow you to laugh, cry, and cheer alongside the local audience — a truly unforgettable cultural experience.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 8: JAIPUR
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the magnificent Fort Amber. On the way, stop to take photographs of the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), an extraordinary façade of an old palace in baroque style, known for its intricate latticework and elegant design.
At Fort Amber, ascend to the ramparts either on the back of an elephant or by 4x4 vehicle. Amber, the former capital of the region founded by the Minas, was later abandoned when Maharaja Jai Singh relocated to Jaipur. Perched at the entrance of a rocky gorge and overlooking a serene lake, the fort’s strategic position is complemented by its stunning architecture. Its labyrinth of walls and towers, stretching from one hill to another, forms a remarkable system of defense and alarm.
Explore the Maharaja’s Palace and the City Palace, part of which is still inhabited by the royal family and houses exquisite Mughal miniatures. Then visit the Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh II between 1728 and 1734, featuring the most precise sundial in the world.
Conclude the day with a leisurely rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Jaipur’s old town, soaking in the vibrant colors, bustling markets, and lively atmosphere of the city.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 9: JAIPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI – AGRA (250km – 6hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Agra, with a stop en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the former capital built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Famous for its unique blend of Indo-Muslim and Hindu architectural styles, Fatehpur Sikri features a more ornate, baroque-influenced design than the Red Fort. Although it was abandoned only a few years after its construction, the city remains one of India’s most spectacular historical sites. Explore its highlights, including the Great Mosque with the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, and the Jewel House (also called Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Audiences), which houses the famous Pillar of Akbar.
Continue to Agra and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city independently.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 10: AGRA
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the most celebrated monuments in the world. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament to eternal love, the Taj Mahal was constructed in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth in 1631. Passing through the monumental red sandstone gateway, the gleaming white marble mausoleum emerges, ethereal and breathtaking. Standing on its marble platform, the Taj is flanked by four elegant minarets at each corner, while its central dome houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. The semi-translucent marble is intricately carved with floral motifs and inlaid with semi-precious stones, creating patterns of exquisite detail and artistry.
In the afternoon, visit the formidable Agra Fort, a sprawling red sandstone citadel built by Emperor Akbar between 1566 and 1573. Originally designed as a military fortress, it later became a royal residence. Explore its magnificent palaces, halls, and courtyards, including impressive defensive walls, bastions, and gates that reveal the strategic genius of Mughal architecture.
Overnight in Agra.
Day 11: AGRA – DELHI (210km – 4.5hrs)
After breakfast, depart for Delhi, the capital of India and the Indian Union since 1060, when the Rajput Tomara clan established their government here. Formerly known as Indraprastha, the city’s origins stretch back into Vedic times.
Explore the iconic Qutb Minar, a towering 73-meter-high minaret set in a park where vibrant turquoise parrots often nest. Built in the 12th century, it remains one of Delhi’s oldest and most remarkable monuments. Continue to Connaught Place (or Connaught Circus), a bustling commercial hub filled with shops, cinemas, restaurants, and offices, while Jan Path, on the outskirts of Connaught Place, serves as a major boulevard and key artery of New Delhi.
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport in the evening, with assistance for check-in formalities, for your onward journey.
